Sustainability at RDU
The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority is committed to achieving a sustainable future for Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). RDU’s Sustainability Policy commits the Authority to act in a sustainable manner by considering long-term environmental, economic, social and operational impacts in its decision-making processes.
The Authority endorses the Federal Aviation Administration’s four sustainability pillars of community, environment, economy and operations. Incorporating these sustainability pillars into the Authority’s practices, policies and programs supports RDU’s sustainability efforts across our operational and business functions.
Stay Up to Date on Our Sustainability Efforts
Sustainability Management Plan
Adopted in March 2023, RDU’s first Sustainability Management Plan provides a roadmap for the implementation of sustainability initiatives and integration of environmental sustainability into planning, design, construction, operations, maintenance and business operations. The plan aims to improve the tracking and communication of the airport’s sustainability initiatives, increase efficiency, and better incorporate economic savings and environmental stewardship into project development.
For a summary of the Sustainability Management Plan’s focus areas and goals, check out RDU’s Sustainability Management Plan At A Glance.
Previous SMP Meetings and Resources
- RDU Sustainability Management Plan Public Meeting – October 27, 2022 Meeting Presentation
- RDU Sustainability Management Plan Public Meeting – October 27, 2021 Meeting Presentation
- RDU Sustainability Management Plan Workshop – February 13, 2020 Meeting Presentation
Sustainable Construction at RDU
The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority is committed to delivering a world-class airport experience in a sustainable manner by considering long-term environmental, economic, social and operational impacts in decision-making processes. Learn more about sustainable construction at RDU Airport.
Recycling at RDU
Recycling is an important part of the Airport Authority’s environmental program. Containers specifically labeled for bottles, cans and newspapers are located throughout the terminals at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
What can be recycled:
- All paper-based items which can be ripped by hand, except those with food or grease stains
- Cardboard, chipboard and paperboard
- Glass and plastic bottles
- Metal/aluminum cans
Airport-Wide Recycling
Many tenants that operate on the airport property participate in their own corporate recycling programs. Some items our tenants also recycle include:
- Tires
- Used toner cartridges
- Batteries
- Scrap metal
- Used oil
- Electronic waste